Lenovo Group Ltd. has agreed to buy IBM's low-end server business in a deal valued at about $2.3 billion.

According to the agreement between Lenovo and IBM , the Chinese PC maker will acquire IBM's System x, BladeCenter and Flex System blade servers and switches, x86-based Flex integrated systems, NeXtScale and iDataPlex servers and associated software, blade networking and maintenance operations. The purchase price is approximately US$2.3 billion, approximately two billion of which will be paid in cash and the balance in Lenovo stock.

IBM will retain its System z mainframes, Power Systems, Storage Systems, Power-based Flex servers, and PureApplication and PureData appliances.

The agreement builds upon a collaboration that began in 2005 when Lenovo acquired IBM's PC business, which included the ThinkPad line of PCs.

IBM will continue to develop and evolve its Windows and Linux software portfolio for the x86 platform.

The two companies plan to enter into a strategic relationship which will include a global OEM and reseller agreement for sales of IBM?s entry and midrange Storwize disk storage systems, tape storage systems, General Parallel File System software, SmartCloud Entry offering, and elements of IBM?s system software portfolio, including Systems Director and Platform Computing solutions.

Following the closing of the transaction, Lenovo will assume related customer service and maintenance operations. IBM will continue to provide maintenance delivery on Lenovo's behalf for an extended period of time, so its customers should see little change in their maintenance support.

Approximately 7,500 IBM employees around the world, including those based at major locations such as Raleigh, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Taipei, are expected to be offered employment by Lenovo.

"This acquisition demonstrates our willingness to invest in businesses that can help fuel profitable growth and extend our PC Plus strategy," said Yang Yuanqing, chairman and CEO, Lenovo. "With the right strategy, great execution, continued innovation and a clear commitment to the x86 industry, we are confident that we can grow this business successfully for the long-term, just as we have done with our worldwide PC business."

"This divestiture allows IBM to focus on system and software innovations that bring new kinds of value to strategic areas of our business, such as cognitive computing, Big Data and cloud," said Steve Mills, Senior Vice President and Group Executive, IBM Software and Systems. "IBM has a proven record of innovation and transformation, which has enabled us to create solutions that are highly valued by our clients."

The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of regulatory requirements, customary closing conditions and any other needed approvals. Subsequent local closings will occur subject to similar conditions, agreements and the information and consultation process in applicable countries.

While the transaction is being completed, both companies expect no change in their independent, existing server operations, including customer service and product availability.